PLANS are now being put in place for what is hoped will be the largest-ever gathering of former Butlins' Redcoats.

For a reunion is being organised by author A J Marriot, then known as Redcoat Alan, at Butlins Skegness, from May 23 to 26.

And he is particularly keen to contact Blackburn girl Sue Regan who he worked with in Skegness for two seasons in 1973 and '74.

Alan is also hoping that some of the Redcoats who went on to become TV stars will also be at the get-together, including Roy Hudd, Des O'Connor; Jimmy Tarbuck, Freddie "Parrot-Face" Davies and Status Quo member Rick Parfit who, as a 16-year-old, was Uncle Rick.

Another famous face who started his careers in camp were one Richard Starkey who, in 1961 was playing in residence with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, at Skegness, when he got a call from Messrs Lennon and McCartney to join a little-know group called The Beatles and subsequently changed his name to Ringo Starr.

Cliff Richard, too, started off in a resident band at Butlins.

For more details you can visit www.redcoatsreunited.com or write to: A.J Marriot, 20 Oughton Close. Hitchin. Herts. SG5 2QY.